Russia commemorates Rafik Hariri as 'outstanding Lebanese statesman'
Russia has paid tribute to Lebanon’s slain ex-PM Rafik Hariri on the 18th anniversary of his assassination.
In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry described Hariri as “an outstanding Lebanese statesman and political figure” and “a friend of Russia,” calling his 2005 murder a “vile terrorist act.”
“R. Hariri played an important role in achieving the Taif agreements, which put an end to the bloody and destructive civil war in Lebanon in 1975-1990. As a true patriot, he devoted all his strength and energy to the cause of restoring the homeland in the post-war period. R. Hariri visited Russia more than once and made a significant personal contribution to the strengthening and development of Russian-Lebanese friendly relations,” the Ministry added.
“The death of one of the most popular and influential leaders of the Lebanese people in modern history was a huge, irreparable loss for Lebanon and its friends around the world,” the Ministry lamented.
Source: Naharnet
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